After more than 35 years in business on Granville Island, The Crystal Ark has set up shop with a second location on Kelowna’s Pandosy Street.
The Crystal Ark was originally launched in 1987 when Phillip Waizenegger moved from South Africa to Canada, and now his son, Nick Waizenegger, has brought the business to the Okanagan.
Although Nick was involved in the crystal shop as a teenager, he pursued a career in marketing before going back to the family business during the pandemic.
“I spent about a year getting things under control in Vancouver and got reconnected with the store,” he explains. “That’s when I came up with the idea of establishing a second location in Kelowna.”
Nick says they wanted to open a store in Kelowna because it's "growing at an unbelievable rate."
"Right now feels like a great time for any new business that’s looking to expand to look at Kelowna," he explains, adding that he loves the Okanagan Valley.
Although there were already crystal stores in town, Nick says they felt there wasn't a business in Kelowna that offered a crystal-specific experience.
"We have a huge variety of crystals from all around the world and we’re excited to bring our selection to the crystal lovers of Kelowna."
The store on Pandosy Street officially opened on July 9, 2022 with a wide collection of crystals, jewelry, stones, geodes and minerals.
“What I love about the business is that there’s so much variety,” Nick says. “Certain crystals are only available to be purchased in certain countries in the world, so you have to be far reaching with your suppliers.”
The store has products ranging from $10 to $18,000.
“There are a lot of people that are into the spiritual healing aspect of it, but then we also have a lot of people that are into mineralogy and the geology involved, and there are people who just want a beautiful piece for their house,” Nick explains.
The Crystal Ark is open 10 am to 6 pm daily.
Those unable to visit the Kelowna or Vancouver location can browse the online shop here.
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